Airmen return from Horn of Africa deployment

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alyson M. Teeter
  • 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. --  Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing returned here from a 50-day deployment to Djibouti in mid-January.

Approximately 65 aircrew members, maintainers and supply personnel returned via military airlift and two MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft based here. The Airmen were deployed to provide combat search and rescue support for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

"Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa conducts operations in the East Africa region to build partner nation capacity in order to promote regional security and stability, prevent conflict, and protect US and coalition interests," according to the task force website.

The primary mission of the 129th RQW is to train and be prepared to perform its wartime mission of combat search and rescue anywhere in the world. In addition to its wartime mission, the unit also works closely with the Coast Guard and various civil agencies on search and rescue missions.

Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and the Guardian Angel pararescue system, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including aiding distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations. The unit has saved 946 people.